First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

This is my first year bow hunting. I got up this morning and got out in the woods about thirty minutes before leagal shooting hour. I' m 43 years old but have only been deer hunting for 3 seasons now. I bought a bow last year right before hunting season, but Didn' t hunt with it because I wanted to make sure I could make a good shot. I,ve been pacticing every week since and can group my shots about three inches at 30 yards.
At about 8:30 this morning, a spike buck came into my shooting lane. I started shaking (like I always seem to do ) and I thought he would probably see me and run.
Well he worked his way towards my stand and turned broadside at about five yards. I kept thinking, this is only a spike, I should let him walk. Then I thought, if I can' t take a spike what will I do if the big boy shows up, besides I could really use the meat.
He turns his head for a second, and I draw, but he turns back and catches my movement. He runs about twelve yards and stops.He turns slighly and looks back in my direction. There he is standing at about 22 yards, slighly quartering away. This is the shot that I have been praying for! I set my sight about four inches back from the shoulder and hit the release.
It all happend so fast that I didn' t see the arrow when it hit the deer. He ran about 20 yards, then walked about ten feet before he fell in sight. What a rush!!!!
I sat in my stand for a while until I calmed down enough to climb down. I cald my wife and told her that I got one and would be home soon.I looked for my arrow but I couldnt find it. then I walked over to my deer. The shot was perfect. It intered four innches back from the left shoulder and exited through the right shoulder without hiting any bone.
I went back to my truck to get my drag rope, knotched my harvest report and called in the kill. I didn' t even feild dress it. I just drug it to my truck (about 100 yards ) and took it home. I only live 15 min. away. When I got home, I immedeately gutted, skinned, and cut it up.
I estimate that the live weight of the deer was probably between 160 and 180 lbs.It had one four inch spike and one five inch spike. I do feel a little bad about it being a spike, but if I had it to do all over again, I would probably do the same thing. And like I said, I could realy use the meat.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

sounds like a real clean kill , you should be very satisfied with your trophy first bow kill. IMO a Trophy is not about the Rack size its a symbol of accomplishment. a bow kill is not an easy accomplishment especially such a clean shot. you have done an excellent job and if I were you I wouldn' t feel bad one little bit! Thats an outstanding accomplishment and an outstanding trophy... be proud enjoy your steak and sleep easy friend, you have nothing to feel bad about.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Congrats on your first. Nothing to feel bad about there. You got your hardest one out of the way. There will be plenty of oppertunities for trophies to come. Enjoy your meat.[:-]

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Trust me, as someone who has been bow hunting about the same amount of time...and still looking for my first....your spike IS a trophy!!!

Congrats, and hopefully you will be reading about mine after this blasted rifle season ends!!! :)

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Congrats on your first!!!!!! I got my first Friday morning with a horrible hit in the hind quater and a pass thru! He tried to jump(run) the string. I was bummed but he fell like 10 feet away dead!!!! Probably would of went further away with a lung shot! Hit the main arteries and there was blood EVERYWHERE! bucket loads! I am just glad that the first after 5 years of hunting is under my belt! Plus I got some meat:) Once again be proud I am![:-][:-][:-][:-]

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

You have nothing to feel bad about. You took a legal deer using legal means and the meat will be put to good use. Congratulations to you.

160-180 lb spike is a big animal, most people overestimate a deers weight....could you be incorrect or perhaps was this an older animal with mere spikes?

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Congrats on your deer and always be proud of the animal you take be a doe or spike or 10 point we owe it the great animal we persue to fee that.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

A very hearty, big congratulations and warm, heart-felt kudos to you, sir!

Just because there have been bigger bucks taken by other members of this board, yours sounds very special indeed! When I took my first, I would have been happy with a yearling, a doe, a spike, a forkhorn... just about anything that didn' t have spots on it, ya know?

Your first truly is your toughest; the nerves seem to calm a little bit :D from here on out. Just make sure they don' t calm too much. When that happens, you' ve lost something.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Rob,

I may have overestimated but I really dont think so. If it was any bigger Iwouldn' t have been able to get it in my truck by myself. When i hung it up to skin it out it was longer than I am tall. I' m six feet tall.



Thank you all for your support. Everything I know about bow hunting has come from this mesage board. I don' t have any friends or relatives that bow hunt.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Congratulations on your deer. Nothing at all to be ashamed of. You don' t eat those horns...they don' t make good soup either. You will have other opportunities. Any deer that is taken honestly with a bow is a trophy in its own right. As you have discovered, there is a lot to overcome....especially the first time. My first bow kill was a doe, so I know how you feel somewhat. But I tell you, the meat from that 2 year old doe was sure tasty! Hope you have good eatin' and more good huntin' .

Clint

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

I shot my first deer too this season. A button buck at about 20 yds., he went about 30 yds and died. He only weighed about 100 pounds live but he tastes great.

If he weighed that much and only had spikes then it was probably for the better that you shot him anyway. Sounds like you made a great shot, and you should be very proud of that. He' s a trophy no matter what.

CJW

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Good Job!! You were well prepared, practiced, made a good shot with a clean, quick kill and now are looking forward to the venison. That' s what its all about.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

These guys are right, any deer is a trophy. rack size is a rich man' s trophy. be happy u are able to spend time in the spirit of the wild. thank god for every second u are out there. someday u may not be able to.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Good job! Don' t feel bad, its your first bow deer and you learn alot with each kill. Its good to get a few under your belt so you total confidence when going after the big boys!

Good Luck on the next one!

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

My first bow kill was this year, a doe. As i came up to place the pin behind its shoulder, in the excitement i hit my release, not seeing where the arrow went. I wasnt even on the deer when i hit it, just moving towards it. LUCKILY the motion was close enough, i hit high on the front sholder and into the spine, it dropped instantly. I wasnt happy with how i had done it, but it made the next one easier. Im now waiting on a buck and i am sure glad i got the 2 does under my belt this year.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

ncbowhunter, this is a hunt to be very proud of!! You made a nice clean hit. When you get the big guy, you will still look back at this hunt and always have a special feeling about it. Congraluations!!!

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Congrats!! Like everyone has said the first deer is very special. The first deer I ever shot is the smallest buck I have ever taken, but I am more proud of it than any of my other bucks. He is just a small 7 point but I look at the plaque and antlers everyday reliveing that special day. Good luck!

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

No need to feel bad...Pa season ended here yesterday and all I got is....nothing!

No shame taking that spike. I' t your first one. Enjoy the moment.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

My first was a spike,and I will never forget it.Best part was,it was out of a freinds stand that he told me to use.
The spike you harvested sounds like a real good deer,and nothing to be ashamed of.
Congratulations

Joe

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Hey ncbowhunter,

Ditto what everyone else has said, and congradulations!

You can put them spikes to use, saw them in half and throw all 4 pieces in a sock, tie the top, and you have " Your Own" homemade rattle bag. I don' t think I' d want to do that with any bigger rack so sounds like the perfect size to me.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Good Job! I' m a firm believer that a hunting virgin can take whatever legal deer there is, wheather it be a button buck or a monster buck, and you did a good job with a quick kill shot. I still have yet to shoot an antlered buck while bow hunting, I' ve had several does with the bow and a popped my cherry with a button buck and was happy with that then. Now I won' t shoot a button buck or a spike while out with the bow or gun, but that' s just my preference.

Congradulations!
Pauly

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

When the big boy walks into a shooting lane the next time you' re out, you will be very happy and thankful for having this one under your belt. ;)

Congrats! and nice shot.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

I agree with the others.Bowhunting is very challeging, like you have to get so close to the quarry, unlike rifle hunting. A good humane kill, you recovered it!! Great! Throphys will come My first bow kill was an adult doe and I double lunged her, she only went about 60 yards and died. I was so proud and still am. The first is the best.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Congrats! Like everyone else is saying, don' t feel bad. It' s a great accomplishment and a very clean kill. My first deer with a bow was a disaster - gut shot him at 14 yards. I got em, but it wasn' t easy.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

CONGRATS ON THE BUCK.GOOD EATIN.


GO DEEP HUNT HARD.;)

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Congratulations on your first bowkill! No reason to feel bad. You made a good shot....at least you don' t have to count the points like we do in PA.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Great job, nc.... Your feelings are probably normal as I remember feeling kind of weird after my first bow kill. But you should feel proud that you placed a perfect double lung shot for a quick, clean harvest.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Congrats on the kill! ;)

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

A hearty congratulations!!!! Getting that first deer with a bow is a very special accomplishment. Job well done!!!:)

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

the ' shakes' are what makes bowhunting so exciting ..... having a deer so close .......... you made a great shot ....... you have your whole lifetime to get the trophy antlers, just celebrate your accomplishment and don' t worry about " just a spike" ..... the meat will be excellent .........

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

I killed my first one this year as well. A button buck. I took it for a doe. I felt bad for about 30seconds, but I was too excited. I hunt in NC as well and punched the wrong tag I was so shook up.

I haven' t see too many 180lb spikes in NC what county are you in?

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about in taking that deer. Congrats on the ultra-clean kill.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

YOu have NOTHING to be sad about. You made a great harvest clean kill and have some great meat for the freezer. You did great. Congrats on the buck.

Brian

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Nice kill,and I have to agree about the trophy being the accomplishment.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

congrats on your first bow kill. At least you got a clean kill. My first bow kill was a basket rack 8 pt. i shot it through the hind quarters and it ran to my hunting buddy and he finished it for me. At least you did the first by your self.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

:) Nice going ncbowhunter. Most folks would not be able to claim their 1st. was such a clean kill. You kept it all together and you should remember that moment forever.;)

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

NC,you should be proud of your first bow kill.It does'nt matter if it's a spike or a ten pointer.That's what bow hunting is all about,up close and personable, and you did it! Enjoy the moment,the meat,and the memories,Congradulations!!..Bob>>>>&gt ;By the way,would you have the same feelings about the spike if you dropped him at 100yds with a 7mm Mag?,I don't think so.Quit being so hard on yourself,and once again,Congrats!!!!

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

First of all let me point this out to the other folks, he did state live weight and 160 on the hoof is not a huge spike at all, its not small, but that sounds about right to me for live weight.

ncbowhunter, I gun hunted for over 30 years before I picked up a bow and it took me 2 full seasons before I killed my first, a doe. I will tell you what, I think I was more excited about that first bow kill than a monster 8 point I killed with a gun years ago. You have a true trophy, your first bow kill and you killed him with a perfectly placed shot! He will be some fine eating! Congrats on your first and hold your head high because this puts you in front of every gun hunter out there in my book and I hunt both gun and bow.

RE: First bow kill, but I feel a little bad about it.
 

Hi ncbowhunter,

Congratulations on your first deer and bow kill! Nothing to be ashamed of...you made a humane killing shot and did it in an ethical manner. Once again congratulations.

Even to this day when I harvast a healthy animal there is that little "pang of feelings for the animal". I realize the import of what I've done....I've taken another life. But I understand the importance of the "circle of life" and accept my responsibility by participating in it. I am always thankful for the harvast...and that my family will receive sustinance from the animal and its sacrifice. I honestly believe that if I ever lose that feeling....that I will have lost a very "human" part of myself.

Simultaneously I have feelings of exuberation and satisfaction for successfully fulfilling an ancient and instinctive compulsion....that of provider. I understand that in today's world it would frequently just be less expensive to buy the meat at the supermarket. But it doesn't change the instinctive desire to be able to do it "for oneself". And realizing I don't have to pay someone else to do the "dirty work", so to speak. I accept the responsibility for my participation in life!

I honestly believe many, if not most, ethical hunters experience a little of these feelings after they make the kill. (And that is probably a good thing.....cause I'm equally as certain that the people that would "steal another's animal"...or break game laws.....poach....etc.....have NONE of those feelings!)

You've accepted your place in life's cycle....you did it well, and humanely. Enjoy your memories...and your meals. Good luck in your future hunts and pass those experiences to the next generation!

Dave

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